The definition of baptism already denotes how and where one should be baptized: immersion in living water. If done otherwise, the action could not be called baptism, nor would it carry any effect to cleanse sins.

The baptism of salvation has spiritual power to cleanse sins. This baptism is thus different from the traditional ablution of the Jews or proselyte baptism. A person receiving baptism of salvation is baptized into Christ, in the name of Jesus Christ, who forgives sins through baptism (Gal 3:27; Acts 2:38). The spiritual effect of baptism in the likeness of Jesus’ death is the death and burial of one’s old self and the resurrection of a new person (Rom 6:3-5; Col 2:12). Baptism is not simply following a ritual.

Ephesians 4:5 points out that there is “one Lord, one faith, one baptism.” All true believers of Jesus Christ must believe in the same Lord, hold the same faith, and receive the same baptism. It’s important to know what the Bible says about how one should be baptized, and to follow the example the Lord Jesus and the disciples set for believers to follow.